ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Exercise Pekapeka took place at RNZAF Base Ohakea in September 2023 with RNZAF 3SQN and NZ Police Special Tactics Group (NZPol STG).
The exercise is a 3SQN readiness training activity designed to train helicopter crews in counter terrorism operations.
3SQN and NZPol STG personnel were able to practise in elements of special operations roles and conduct currency and upgrade their training.
This exercise involved fast roping and winching from NH90 Helicopters.

AUTHOR
Hi! I’m Maddy Butcher.

I first found my love for photography at the age of 13 when I would visit my high school friend’s house. Her mum was a photographer and I would often catch myself peering into her studio amazed at all the lights and equipment.
I was given my first camera at the age of 14, and decided on a career as a photographer not long after.
I love photography because it enables us to relive a moment in time over and over again.

Now working as a photographer for the New Zealand Defence Force, for the past 6 years, I now get to live my dream and take photos everyday.
My job as a Photographer in the NZDF is to deploy on operations and exercises to
document our activity, and capture military ceremonies and major events alongside
our Navy, Army, and Air Force personnel.

I love being a photographer, and I love my job.
There’s something about being in the thick of it, camera in hand, that gets my adrenaline pumping.
I thrive on capturing the intensity of the moment, the raw energy and the action.

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